You love makeup, but does makeup love you? Too much overwhelms the look of your skin; too little doesn’t do it justice. The trick? A few new key tips and essentials that melt into your skin, so it looks like it’s really you.
My favourite compliment: “You don’t wear much makeup!” Ah, but I do, I just don’t want it to be all that you see! Here are a few makeup tips to encourage you to layer it well, so you can wear it well…
ALSO SEE: 6 Things I Changed About My Make-Up Routine When I Turned 50
Makeup tips for your face
This skin-illuminating step-by-step guide shows you how to create the most flawless face ever.
1. Prep and prime
Always start with a clean, moisturised face, then prime both your eyes and your face. Choose two different primers. One is specifically made for the eye, as the product is formulated to keep your eyeshadow from smudging or creasing. Try Smashbox 24 Hour Photo Finish Shadow Primer, R230.
Face primer is designed to either reduce shine or perfect skin texture, so foundation goes on more smoothly and adheres for longer-lasting results. We like NYX Professional Makeup Studio Perfect Photo Loving Primer Clear, R230 for 30ml.
Top tip:
Look for makeup skincare: innovative new anti-ageing formulas that also act as instant skin-perfectors thanks to the inclusion of anti-ageing ingredients and micro powder particles, which give the fabulous optical illusion of flawless skin. Track down Lancôme Skin Feels Good Hydrating Skin Tint SPF 23, R495 for 32ml.
ALSO SEE: Our top anti-ageing makeup tips that take years off!
2. Create a flawless effect
For a radiant glow, keep the centre of your face lighter. If skin is good, use a correcting concealer, like MAC Studio Finish SPF 35 Concealer, R380, where needed, or a lightweight perfecting foundation.
3. Set your base
Apply a light dusting of a translucent brightening powder, such as Yardley Powder Absolute Translucent, R161, using a big powder brush just on the T-zone.
Use a brush such as Gosh Kabuki Brush, R258, to pick up powder, dust it off on the back of your hand, and using the remaining powder residue on the brush to seal skin around your eyes, forehead, nose and chin.
Makeup artist, Mary Greenwell says: “Modern makeup is ‘natural’ make-up layered with great ‘under’ products, so you can wear as little foundation and cover-up as possible.”
4. Create a natural glow
Sun-kissed and golden – a fabulous bronzer is one of the best instant pick-me-ups for your skin.
5. Contour and shape
Using a small contouring brush, suck in your cheeks and apply bronzer to the hollows of your cheeks for a light hint of natural colour. Try Physicians Formula Nude Wear Glowing Nude Bronzer, R279, perfect for adding a healthy glow.
“I’m a strong believer in bronzing – all the time,” says Anne Carullo, Estée Lauder senior vice-president of global product development. “A lot of people use bronzer as a blush, and that’s okay, but sometimes you need more, so put a bit of blush over the top, too.”
6. Put back the glow
“With age, you want to ‘infuse what you lose,’” says Anne. “With skin, it’s all about recreating dewy skin, to make it look glossy again. I often put skincare on top of foundation: Vaseline high on my cheekbones to create glossiness or I mix Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex II, R1135 with foundation for more radiance.”
Use a highlighter – or even a serum or primer – on upper cheekbones, the bridge of the nose, the Cupid’s bow or even eyelids. Be selective on where it suits your face best, just never in the centre of the cheeks, as you’ll highlight pores. We recommend Revlon Photoready Rose Glow Hydrating and Illuminating Primer, R249.
Top tip:
Layer lightly. “Don’t build up layers of makeup too heavily,” says make-up artist Dina Catchpole, “otherwise products start to separate”.
ALSO SEE: 5 of the latest makeup tips to look younger
Makeup tips for your eyes
Past a certain age, we need to keep definition in our looks. Here’s how to create a simple nude eye…
1. Brighten
To create a more uplifted eye and help correct any droopiness, “it’s best to only apply eye makeup to the top of the lids and leave the lower area bare,” says makeup expert Rebecca Morrice Williams. “Use a taupey bone tone on the inner half of your lids. A light, shimmery flesh tone can be used on the very inner corners to brighten the eyes a little if desired.”
2. Contour
“Blend a matte, medium-brown-tone eyeshadow on the outer third of the crease line, and blend,” says Rebecca. “You could also use a soft pencil to do this but be sure to blend well.” Try The Body Shop Eyeshadow Palette in Sandstone, R100.
3. Define
Take a mink-brown eyeliner, such as Bronx Colors Gel Eyeliner, R220, and press it in a fine line close to the lashes using a brush, then blend into the skin. Then use lashings of mascara on the top lashes, concentrating on the outer lashes for a feline effect.
Top tip:
Nothing is more important than making sure the brow is shaped, as it creates an anchor for all your make-up. Although it’s pricey, you can’t go wrong with the iconic Bobbi Brown Medium Brow Kit, R835. It will perfectly match the colour of your brows.
4. Work on those lashes
Remember to curl your lashes before you start your makeup – it will make all the difference to your mascara. Try Rubi Eyelash Curler in Rose Gold, R79.
For your lips
“Lipstick finishes the way your face looks,” says Anne. “Whatever the colour, women want lipstick to last, they want it to feel good on their lips, and they want a nice lustre.”
Try these tips to make your lipstick last…
1. Start with a balm
Apply lip balm to your lips while you apply your base, then they’ll be super soft by the time you apply lipstick. Try Avene Cicalfate Repair Lip Balm, R109,95 for 10ml.
2. Apply lipstick
Choose a creamy, pigment-rich lipstick such as Maybelline Colour Sensational Lipstick in Toasted Brown, R129, and apply with a brush, or straight from the bullet – whichever suits you best. Work in the colour, press lips closed onto a tissue, then apply another layer.
3. Define your lips
Shape the outline of your mouth using a matching nude pencil, such as L’Oreal Color Riche Lip Liner Couture Bois De Rose, R154,95.
Layering this over the top of your lipstick is a softer look; however, you can skip this step if you’re using a long-wear lipstick formula, as these rarely bleed. But, if it’s too matte and you need to add shine to your lip, most will then bleed.
Top tip:
Neutral shades make the bottom of the face look like it’s been erased – so it only looks right when you work up your eyes.
